Though the exercise calendar will probably be the game's most popular and convenient mode for exercise enthusiasts, if you just want to get in and have a five or ten minute warm-up session, you can try out one of the game's free-play activities. Activities in the game include free-striking, a speed-strike mode, and "Hit the Mitts," which tests your strike speed and accuracy. These aren't great for exercise purposes, but if you just want to hop on and blow off some steam, you'll be able to do that.

Although the inclusion of UFC-style moves and exercises will certainly draw the attention of fitness buffs, there are a few key things that will excite UFC fans specifically. First off is the focus on delivering an experience with real UFC trainers. Players can select to work out with renowned UFC trainers Mark DellaGrotte, Greg Jackson, or Javier Mendez. Each trainer is fully-voiced and will instruct you in his own unique way.

But even more exciting than the trainers is the inclusion of several UFC fighters. Though they are not integrated deeply into the game, you can perform several fighting exercise routines against the game's UFC fighter models. This is a pretty cool feature that's likely to motivate more dedicated UFC fans into exercising. There are 16 available fighters to work with, including superstars like Frank Mir, Shane Carwin, and Cain Velasquez.

UFC Personal Fitness is a great workout game first, and a cool addition to the UFC universe second. The addition of UFC fighters, trainers, and UFC-inspired workouts will make this a great experience for fans, and I look at it as a new way to motivate people to work out. Though fitness games are traditionally marketed to women, UFC Personal Fitness takes a new, universal approach to getting fit, and the focus on building strength and learning basic fighting moves really works here. If you haven't yet hopped on board the fitness game train, or have been looking for something a little different, UFC Personal Fitness measures up and manages to be quite fun as well. Just don't expect to slack off.

By
Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

GraphicsFighter and trainer models look great and animations are smooth.

4.5

ControlControl is flawless with the Kinect peripheral and the game is incredibly responsive.

2.6

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingTrainer voiceovers are inoffensive at first, but repetitive phrases can get annoying fast.

3.9

Play ValueWith plenty of modes and some nifty customization options, this is a fitness game that it is easy to stick with.

4.0

Overall Rating - GreatNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Designed by NASM with support from leading MMA training experts Mark DellaGrotte, Greg Jackson, and Javier Mendez, UFC Personal Trainer will deliver a challenging and motivating UFC fitness experience that includes the best and most effective exercises utilized by today's renowned UFC fighters.

Learn over 70 MMA and NASM-approved exercises, including moves from disciplines such as wrestling, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, that are designed to improve strength, endurance, and conditioning through use in a variety of routines. Each in-game routine is specialized to target specific muscle groups, as well as factor individual skill levels and fitness goals.

Focus on specific fitness objectives by building personalized routines with up to 12 different exercises. Each custom routine can also be modified to increase or decrease intensity of the game's pre-set pace, enabling players to fully maximize their training experiences based on individual preferences.

Receive additional guidance and encouragement throughout the fitness journey by choosing a goal and working with an MMA trainer for personalized instruction. Players will learn MMA-inspired exercises, as well as authentic training techniques and healthy lifestyle choices, enabling them to burn calories, build strength, lose weight and meet goals through a comprehensive fitness experience.

Hit the mitts against several popular UFC fighters with a variety of challenging rhythm and timing-based agility drills that utilize punching and kicking sequences. Players can unlock a variety of different drills to earn rewards, each with increasing difficulty, as well as compete against friends and issue challenges in a multiplayer environment.